Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to build primarily on North to East aspects above 900 metres. These deposits will be mostly confined to wind-sheltered locations such as gully tops and coire rims and will start to consolidate as the freezing level rises towards the end of the forecasting period. Fragile cornices will develop in the same areas. Elsewhere the snowpack will be mostly firm and stable, with the surface softening later in the period. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will be 850 metres initially then rising steadily to 1200 metres by the end of the forecasting period. Precipitation throughout much of the time, with a brief respite on Monday afternoon. At first this will fall as snow to around 800 metres but latterly become confined to the highest summits. Very strong winds mostly from the West-South-West will decrease through the daytime to become fresh. Observed Weather Influences: Rain at all levels overnight, followed by light snowfall above 950 metres during the day. Gale force West-South-Westerly winds with powerful gusts. The freezing level was around 1000 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab is developing in wind sheltered North to East aspects above 1000 metres with areas most affected being gully tops and coire rims. Elsewhere the old snowpack is continuing to consolidate. The snow surface is firm above 1000 metres, becoming increasingly soft and moist at lower elevations. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.